The Lübeck University study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, investigated the influence of caffeine on male and female hair roots in the presence of testosterone, considered the trigger of hormone-induced hair loss.

“The results of these in vitro studies show the significance of caffeine at the molecular, cellular and hair organ level for complex human hair growth. They prove the hair growth-enhancing and hair follicle-protective properties of caffeine for both genders,” the study noted.

In male hair roots, the study found that caffeine counteracts the growth inhibitory effect of testosterone and stimulates metabolism and cell growth. In women, the effect of caffeine on countering the effect of testosterone alone is crucial to hair growth.

A recent independent survey of 600 South African men found that hair loss is more prevalent in middle-aged South African men than erectile dysfunction (ED) and negatively affects their self-esteem and social life. Almost 40% of 600 men between 20 and 65 polled said they are showing signs of hair loss.

A similar survey of 500 South African women found that more than a third over 30 showed signs of early hair loss, which had impacted negatively on their self-confidence, their appeal to their partners and had led to anxiety and depression.